Morocco Enters Race to Host the “Giant Wheel” After Project Stumbles in Spain
As the giant wheel project in the Spanish capital Madrid faces an uncertain fate due to environmental objections and increasing societal pressures, Morocco emerges as a strong alternative contender to host this monumental tourist attraction. This shift comes amid growing interest from investors seeking a more stable location to ensure the ambitious project’s continuity.
According to the newspaper “El Español,” the Kingdom of Morocco has submitted a proposal described as “serious and realistic” to adopt the project designed by Spanish engineer Carlos Rubio, which is expected to reach a height of 264 meters, making it one of the tallest structures of its kind in the world. This offer comes at a time when project owners are exploring alternatives outside Spain due to local complications that have hindered its launch.
The Madrid municipality had recommended in 2024 conducting a technical study to evaluate the feasibility of constructing the wheel within the “Enrique Tierno Galván” park, confirming that geological analyses indicated the land’s suitability. However, the technical report warned that construction could impact 294 trees, accounting for about 6% of the park’s vegetation, triggering protests from local residents and environmental protection groups.
In light of this mounting pressure, local authorities decided to temporarily suspend the project until a suitable solution is found or an alternative location is identified. This has brought the Moroccan proposal to the forefront, perceived by some stakeholders as a suitable escape from the project’s crisis.
Morocco’s entry into this initiative is expected to reshape the future of this tourist attraction, which has sparked fierce debate in Spanish circles since its announcement. The Kingdom may offer a more welcoming and stable environment for its development, particularly given Morocco’s commitment to enhancing its large-scale recreational and tourism infrastructures.
